Award-winning author and composer Roma Calatayud-Stocks holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music and Psychology from the University of Minnesota and post-graduate studies in creative writing from the University of St. Thomas. In line with her life passion for highlighting many cultures’ artistic contributions, Roma has collaborated for twenty years with Twin Cities’ cultural organizations: The Minnesota Orchestra, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, Vocal Essence, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis/St. Paul Film Society, and The Walker Art Center. She serves on the board of the directors of the Minnesota Orchestra, the National Guild for Communities Arts Education, The Museum of Russian Art, and the International Alliance of Women in Music.

Roma is the author of two historical novels, inspired by Magical Realism, A Song in My Heart (Including original music-CD soundtrack) and
A Symphony of Rivals. These literary works provide a window to cultural diplomacy in locations across the world while also addressing poignant issues, politics of the era, and history. In her stories, the protagonists are legendary artists, composers, and authentic characters who come to life during periods of historical significance.

A Song in My Heart and A Symphony of Rivals are recipients of several book awards. (See Awards Page)
Roma is currently working on the third book of the trilogy, An Ode to Joy, not yet published.

As a composer, Calatayud-Stocks released two albums with her original compositions, “A Carnival of Life” and “A Song in My Heart,” to accompany her debut novel, A Song in My Heart. The albums, with classical, jazz, and Latin musical influences, bring together the performances of renowned Twin Cities musicians. Through Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra, Roma created Latin Renaissance where she introduced the diversity of Latin American Music in Minnesota. The concert, at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, featured various genres from Argentinian tangos to Brazilian sambas to Mexican waltzes. She debuted her waltz composition, “Vals del Sol” (The Sun Waltz).

Roma has toured the United States to present her work at universities, libraries, women’s clubs, and book fairs. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband.

“A SYMPHONY OF RIVALS: "A Suspenseful bridge to the final volume to a historical fiction series." * A Song in My Heart: "The story is compelling that this novel deserves to find a larger audience. An auspicious debut.””
– Kirkus Reviews